Why Kansas City Will Always Love Tershawn Wharton—On and Off the Field

Tershawn Wharton, the 26-year-old defensive tackle who spent five years with the Kansas City Chiefs, has left an indelible mark on the team and its fans. Known for his journey from an undrafted free agent to a key contributor on one of the NFL’s most successful teams, Wharton’s impact goes beyond just his on-field statistics. His professionalism, commitment to the Chiefs’ culture, and love for the city of Kansas City have made him a beloved figure. This article explores how Wharton’s career and actions both on and off the field have earned him a lasting place in Kansas City’s heart.

A Career Built on Dedication and Growth

Wharton’s rise to NFL success is a testament to his hard work and resilience. After signing with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Wharton made an immediate impact. His rookie season saw him rack up 27 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. These numbers, especially for an undrafted player, demonstrated his potential right from the start.

Over the next few seasons, Wharton’s role expanded, with his versatility shining through as he transitioned from defensive end to defensive tackle. His most productive season came in 2024, where he notched 6.5 sacks and 29 tackles, cementing his place as a key defensive force. By the time he left the Chiefs in 2025, Wharton had accumulated 13.5 sacks and 114 total tackles, contributing significantly to the Chiefs’ three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including wins in Super Bowl LVII and LVIII.

A Hero off the Field

Wharton’s love for the Chiefs extends far beyond the game of football. In November 2024, during a game against the Panthers, Wharton became a hero in a real-life moment of danger. After a 13-year-old boy, Andy Radzavicz, lost his footing and began falling from the stands, Wharton, who had been giving away his gloves post-game, acted instinctively. He caught the boy, preventing what could have been a tragic fall. This act of bravery went viral after it was shared on social media, with over 700,000 views on X, and it was featured on programs like “The Pat McAfee Show” and “Inside Edition.”

In an interview, Wharton humbly downplayed the incident, referring to it as just a natural reaction. His humble response only endeared him further to the Chiefs community. The Radzavicz family, lifelong Chiefs fans, later met Wharton at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, where they presented him with a Missouri S&T sweatshirt. Wharton, in turn, gifted Andy a jersey signed with messages like “Strive for Greatness” and “Love those who love you,” deepening the bond between the player and his fans.

A Strong Work Ethic and Team Dedication

Wharton’s contributions on the field were matched by his dedication to his craft. Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Wharton’s tireless work ethic, saying, “Nobody practices harder, nobody works harder than ‘Turk.’” Defensive coordinator Brendan Daly echoed this sentiment, noting Wharton’s professional demeanor and work ethic despite being a rookie. Wharton’s commitment to improving and his ability to seamlessly fit into the Chiefs’ culture is a reflection of his love for the team and its values.

A Journey Rooted in Family and Community

Before making it to the NFL, Wharton had a standout career at Missouri S&T, where he set records with 35.5 sacks and 58 tackles for loss. His decision to sign with the Chiefs was partly driven by the team’s proximity to his home, allowing his family to watch him play at the highest level. His connection to Kansas City was deeply personal, with Wharton often crediting his family’s support as a motivating factor throughout his career.

Off the field, Wharton remained engaged with the Kansas City community. He regularly took part in charity events and made sure to connect with fans, especially those who admired his story of perseverance and determination. His genuine affection for the city, its fans, and the Chiefs organization made him a true ambassador for the team.

A New Chapter in Carolina

In March 2025, Wharton signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, marking the end of his chapter with the Chiefs. While Kansas City fans are undoubtedly sad to see him go, they will always cherish the memories of his time with the team. From his inspiring journey from an undrafted player to a Super Bowl champion to his selfless act of heroism, Wharton’s legacy in Kansas City is secure.

Tershawn Wharton may be moving on to a new team, but his connection to Kansas City will forever remain. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, humility, and community, qualities that have made him a beloved figure in Chiefs history. Kansas City will always love Tershawn Wharton—on and off the field.